Help Merge the Past
GEBERIT IN-WALL SYSTEMS INTO BROOKLYN'S TALLEST MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT - New York
This new mixed-use building is Brooklyn’s first supertall structure and the tallest building in New York City outside of Manhattan, containing approximately 550 residential units across 93 stories with a height of over 1,000 feet. As the first supertall building in Brooklyn, it symbolizes the borough’s architectural ambition and resilience.
→ THE OPPORTUNITY:
The integration of the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn as a key part of the new construction project posed a unique design opportunity. The bank was built in 1906-08 and designed by the firm Mowbray & Uffinger. As the business grew, the building was enlarged in 1931-1932 by the well-known architectural firm Halsey, McCormack & Helmer. Combining the bank building with the new skyscraper required a thoughtful approach to urban development, floor-to-floor plumbing and merging the past with the future.
→ THE SOLUTION:
The bank was a key inspiration for the Brooklyn Tower’s architectural vision. Its impressive silhouette mirrors the bank’s hexagonal layout and intricate designs. The tower also adopts similar building materials, starting with white marble at its base, akin to the bank’s facade, before smoothly shifting to a mix of stainless steel, bronze, and copper higher up. The design includes stepped-back upper levels that pay homage to the classic Art Deco skyscrapers of New York City. The original Bank Rotunda was maintained and recreated as retail at the intersection of Fleet Street and Dekalb Avenue. This central building is once again a key community hub. Geberit Omega30 concealed tank carrier installation systems were the ideal. method for the connected floor-to-floor plumbing while providing additional floor space in the residential units. All 550 residential units plus amenity areas, common space, and back of house use this same method. In-wall toilet tank carriers and white Omega30 dual flush plates were installed in residential bathrooms with both show?ers and bathtubs. In the bathrooms, the challenge was to achieve the clean and aesthetically pleasing look of a wall-hung toilet but to have one to fit under a large vanity mirror that went across the back wall. This was achieved seamlessly.
→ THE BATHROOM DESIGN:
Designed by Gachot Studios, the principal baths are wrapped in honed Bianco Venato porcelain tiled walls, brass and bronze accent trim, and custom Bianco dolomite hexagon mosaic floors with an Absolute Black granite border. Custom Gachot-designed vanities feature Absolute Black granite countertops and custom sconces, custom medicine cabinets with charging stations, and Waterworks fixtures in a matte black finish. The shower floors are ornamented in hexagonal Absolute Black granite. Secondary bathrooms feature tiled walls with an oil-rubbed bronze accent trim, a custom vanity in a light Mahogany finish, Absolute Black granite countertops, Waterworks fixtures in a matte black finish, and Absolute Black mosaic flooring in a brick pattern. The powder rooms, located in select residences, are beautifully appointed with light mahogany millwork walls and a vanity with an oil-rubbed bronze base. Additional details include an Absolute Black granite countertop, Waterworks fixtures in a matte black finish, custom decorative lighting, and Bianco Dolomite marble and Absolute Black granite stone flooring in a custom triangular mosaic.
→ WALL MOUNT BATHROOM FIXTURES
While some may think that a high-performance toilet needs to look clinical or austere, the reality is that there are contemporary design alternatives. That means architects do not have to lose their design concepts to achieve critical performance features. Rather, there are innovative products for bathrooms that meet the demand for sanitation, safety, and sustainability while also providing a high level of design. In order to accommodate a range of different project types, there are multiple fixture op?tions to bring a design vision to life. Beyond these aesthetic benefits, there are also clear space savings achieved by recess?ing the toilet tank system into the wall, allowing for more usable space in restrooms in many cases.
→ PERFORMANCE BENEFITS:
In addition to better water control that is available from dual-flush actuators, in-wall systems are a reliable and high-quality solution for designing contemporary bathrooms that meet the demands of all involved. Overall sanitation and safety are achieved by having less of the toilet system exposed and the bowl raised up from the floor. This adds to the comfort and convenience for users as well as ease of cleaning. In terms of maintenance, all working parts remain easily accessible, although the high reliability of this type of unit reduces the need for maintenance crews to access it in the first place. Commonly, the support frame is based on solid steel construction with a seamless, one-piece tank made of durable, leak-free, high-density polyethylene. Units are commonly tested and proven to support up to 880 lbs. (400 kg.) without deforming the frame or the wall. Together the in-wall systems and wall-mounted flush actuators are clearly greater than the sum of their parts in terms of the benefits provided for building owners and occupants. “In multi-unit buildings, the Geberit concealed in-wall toilet tank carrier systems stand out for their exceptional quality and ease of installation. They are sustainably made and include eco options like a smaller tank, dual flush actuators, and smart water management. In addition, they maximize bathroom space, are easily accessible, and are ADA compliant. We’re proud to be celebrating Geberit’s 150th anniversary this year and being recognized by EcoVadis four years in a row as a leading global sustainability company,” says Jaclyn DeRugeriis, Geberit Sales Manager East. Multifamily buildings provide a needed housing solution for many densely populated areas. In-wall plumbing fixtures provide a green, water-efficient option that enhances the appearance, sanitation, and accessibility of bathrooms throughout the building.
→ BUILT FOR LIFE:
Geberit carriers and actuators provide advantages on several levels that will last the test of time. For buildings with wall-to-wall plumbing, the Geberit system is easy to install, maintain, and service. The carrier is tucked inside the wall with the tank so it stays intact with no human intervention. Geberit products are built to last decades and can be enhanced with the addition of new components and functions. In the future for example, the actuator can be updated to the latest hands-free plates with Bluetooth technology for a more hygienic flush plus water flow and battery consumption can be monitored to simplify the multi-unit’s building’s maintenance. And, if the unit’s occupant needs more assistance later, the wall mounted toilet provides more space for aging-in-place.
Design Firm: Gachot Studios
Photography: Max Touhey